Positive parenting is an approach that emphasizes mutual respect, open communication, and non-punitive discipline. It is a parenting style that focuses on building a strong bond between parent and child and promoting the child’s emotional and social development. One way to reinforce positive parenting principles is through watching movies that showcase positive family dynamics and parenting techniques.
In this article, we will explore ten of the best positive parenting movies that can help parents strengthen their bond with their child while promoting positive values and behaviors. These movies cover a wide range of themes, from empathy and kindness to courage and perseverance. They are all family-friendly and suitable for children of all ages, making them perfect for family movie nights. Whether you are a new parent looking for guidance or a seasoned parent looking for inspiration, these movies are sure to provide valuable insights and lessons on positive parenting.
Top 10 Positive Parenting Movies
Positive parenting movies can be a great way to learn about the struggles of parenthood, the importance of protecting and nurturing children, and the beauty of family adventures. Here are the top 10 best positive parenting movies that will inspire, educate, and entertain you.
1. Taken
Taken is a 2008 action-thriller film that tells the story of a former CIA agent, Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson), who sets out to rescue his daughter from human traffickers. The movie highlights the importance of a father’s love and the lengths he will go to protect his child.
2. She’s Having a Baby
She’s Having a Baby is a 1988 romantic comedy-drama film that follows the journey of a young couple, Jake and Kristy Briggs (Kevin Bacon and Elizabeth McGovern), as they navigate through the ups and downs of pregnancy and parenthood. The movie highlights the struggles and dreams of a young couple as they start a family.
3. Knocked Up
Knocked Up is a 2007 romantic comedy film that tells the story of Alison Scott (Katherine Heigl), a young woman who becomes pregnant after a one-night stand with Ben Stone (Seth Rogen). The movie highlights the challenges and joys of unexpected parenthood.
4. Somewhere
Somewhere is a 2010 drama film that tells the story of Johnny Marco (Stephen Dorff), a Hollywood actor who re-evaluates his life after spending time with his daughter, Cleo (Elle Fanning). The movie highlights the importance of spending quality time with your children and the impact it can have on your life.
5. The Pursuit of Happyness
The Pursuit of Happyness is a 2006 biographical drama film that tells the story of Chris Gardner (Will Smith), a struggling salesman who becomes homeless with his young son (Jaden Smith) while pursuing a better life. The movie highlights the power of determination and the importance of a father’s love.
6. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is a 1975 drama film that tells the story of Randle McMurphy (Jack Nicholson), a criminal who feigns insanity to avoid prison and ends up in a mental institution. The movie highlights the importance of individuality and the need for parental figures to act as advocates for their children.
7. Million Dollar Baby
Million Dollar Baby is a 2004 sports drama film that tells the story of Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank), a young woman who aspires to become a professional boxer and is trained by Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood). The movie highlights the importance of mentorship and the bond that can form between a parent figure and a child.
8. Little Miss Sunshine
Little Miss Sunshine is a 2006 comedy-drama film that tells the story of the dysfunctional Hoover family as they travel to a beauty pageant in California. The movie highlights the importance of family support and the beauty of imperfection.
9. Mrs. Doubtfire
Mrs. Doubtfire is a 1993 comedy-drama film that tells the story of Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams), a divorced father who disguises himself as a female housekeeper to spend more time with his children. The movie highlights the importance of a father’s love and the lengths he will go to be with his children.
10. Parental Guidance
Parental Guidance is a 2012 comedy film that tells the story of Artie Decker (Billy Crystal) and his wife Diane (Bette Midler) as they take care of their three grandchildren for a week. The movie highlights the generation gap between grandparents and their grandchildren and the importance of communication and understanding.
These 10 best positive parenting movies offer valuable lessons and insights into the joys, challenges, and adventures of parenthood. Whether you are a parent or not, these movies are sure to inspire and entertain you.
These movies can inspire positive parenting values and can be enjoyed by the whole family:
- “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” (1993) (source: The Cinemaholic)
- “Finding Nemo” (2003) (source: Common Sense Media)
- “Wonder” (2017) (source: Common Sense Media)
- “The Incredibles” (2004) (source: Common Sense Media)
- “Inside Out” (2015) (source: Common Sense Media)
Challenges of Parenthood in Film
Parenthood is a complex and challenging experience that can be both rewarding and stressful. Many films have explored the various challenges of parenthood, from the joys of raising a child to the fears and complications that come with it. In this section, we will explore some of the common challenges of parenthood that are depicted in films.
Complications and Fears
One of the most common challenges of parenthood depicted in films is the fear of not being a good enough parent. This fear is often portrayed through characters who struggle to balance their personal and professional lives with their responsibilities as parents. In the movie “The Kids Are All Right,” Nic (played by Annette Bening) and Jules (played by Julianne Moore) are a lesbian couple who have two children through artificial insemination. When their children seek out their biological father, it leads to complications and challenges that force Nic and Jules to re-examine their own relationship and their roles as parents.
Sacrifice and Rewards
Another common challenge of parenthood depicted in films is the sacrifice that parents make for their children. This sacrifice can take many forms, from financial sacrifices to personal sacrifices. In the movie “Little Miss Sunshine,” the Hoover family embarks on a road trip to get their daughter Olive to a beauty pageant. Along the way, they encounter various challenges and obstacles that test their relationships and their commitment to Olive’s dream. The sacrifices they make for Olive ultimately lead to a rewarding experience that brings them closer together as a family.
Co-Parenting and Gay Parenting
Films have also explored the challenges of co-parenting and gay parenting. In the movie “Stepmom,” Isabel (played by Julia Roberts) struggles to find her place in the lives of her boyfriend’s children, who are still close to their mother (played by Susan Sarandon). The film explores the challenges of co-parenting and the difficulties that arise when new partners enter the picture. In the movie “The Fosters,” a lesbian couple (played by Teri Polo and Sherri Saum) navigate the challenges of raising a blended family of biological, adopted, and foster children.
Parenthood is a complex and challenging experience that can be both rewarding and stressful. Films have explored the various challenges of parenthood, from the fears and complications to the sacrifices and rewards. Through these depictions, audiences can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of parenthood and the many different ways in which it can be experienced.
Humor in Parenting Movies
Humor is an essential ingredient in parenting movies, and it’s what makes them entertaining and relatable. In this section, we will explore some of the funniest moments in parenting movies, and how they use humor to convey important messages about raising children.
Hilarious Moments
Parenting movies are full of hilarious moments that capture the joys and struggles of raising children. From potty training mishaps to temper tantrums, these moments are relatable to parents and non-parents alike. One great example is the scene in “Daddy Day Care” where the kids have a food fight in the kitchen. The chaos and mess that ensues are both hilarious and heartwarming, as the dads come together to clean up the mess and bond with their children.
Aliens and Troublesome Teenagers
Some parenting movies take a more creative approach to humor, such as “Paul” and “Paul Blart: Mall Cop,” which both feature aliens as main characters. In “Paul,” two British comic book geeks take a road trip across America and encounter an alien who needs their help to escape from the government. The movie is a hilarious mix of sci-fi and comedy, with plenty of heartwarming moments about friendship and acceptance.
In “Paul Blart: Mall Cop,” Kevin James plays a security guard who must save his mall from a group of criminals. The movie is full of slapstick humor and funny one-liners, but it also has a touching subplot about Blart’s relationship with his teenage daughter.
Troublesome Teenagers
Teenagers can be a handful, and parenting movies often use humor to depict the challenges of raising them. In “The House Bunny,” Anna Faris plays a former Playboy bunny who becomes the house mother of a sorority full of misfit girls. The movie is full of hilarious moments, but it also deals with serious issues such as body image and self-esteem.
Adam Sandler is another actor who has starred in several parenting movies, including “Big Daddy” and “Grown Ups.” In “Big Daddy,” Sandler plays a man who must learn to take care of a young boy who is left in his care. The movie is both funny and heartwarming, as Sandler’s character learns to become a responsible adult and a loving father figure.
Steve Carr is another director who has made several parenting movies, including “Daddy Day Care” and “Are We Done Yet? In both movies, he uses humor to depict the challenges of raising children, while also showing the importance of family and community.
Overall, humor is a crucial element in parenting movies, as it helps to convey important messages about raising children in a relatable and entertaining way. Whether it’s through hilarious moments, aliens, or troublesome teenagers, these movies remind us that parenting is both challenging and rewarding.
Dramatic Depictions of Parenting
When it comes to parenting, there are many movies that depict dramatic situations. Some of these movies explore the challenges of parenting in extreme circumstances, such as death row and mental institutions. Others focus on the struggles of everyday life, like aspiring boxers and troubled moms. In this section, we will take a closer look at some of the best movies that explore these themes.
Death Row and Mental Institutions
Movies that explore the challenges of parenting in extreme circumstances can be powerful and thought-provoking. One such movie is “Dead Man Walking,” which tells the story of a nun who becomes a spiritual advisor to a man on death row. The movie explores the complex emotions that arise when a parent is faced with the possibility of losing a child.
Another movie that deals with parenting in extreme circumstances is “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” The movie takes place in a mental institution and follows the story of a man who rebels against the strict rules and regulations of the institution. The movie explores the challenges of parenting when a child is struggling with mental illness.
Aspiring Boxers and Troubled Moms
Movies that focus on the struggles of everyday life can also be powerful and moving. One such movie is “Million Dollar Baby,” which tells the story of a woman who aspires to be a boxer. The movie explores the challenges of parenting when a child has big dreams and ambitions.
Another movie that explores the struggles of parenting is “Precious.” The movie tells the story of a troubled mom who is trying to overcome the challenges of poverty, abuse, and illiteracy. The movie explores the challenges of parenting when a parent is struggling with their own demons.
In conclusion, movies that explore the challenges of parenting can be powerful and thought-provoking. Whether they take place in extreme circumstances like death row and mental institutions or deal with the struggles of everyday life like aspiring boxers and troubled moms, these movies can help us better understand the complexities of parenting.
